Volunteer Travel Opportunities in South Asia

These programs allow travelers to combine their travel with volunteering. All programs listed in this directory involve working in some capacity with, and/or for the benefit of, indigenous people. Some of the programs are run by indigenous people. Please contact us if you know of a non-political, secular organization that should be added to this list.

Please note that this is a volunteer directory listing for information only. We are not a volunteer placement agency and we cannot help you apply for any of these programs. Also, we cannot answer questions about any of these programs. We make no representation about the experience you may have if you decide to volunteer for any of the organizations listed. We are not affiliated with any of these organizations and we do not represent them.

We recommend that you research the current situation in any region/country before traveling there and check for any visa requirements as well as travel advisories issued by your government. In particular, the current coronavirus/covid-19 pandemic may restrict your entry into some countries. Please do not contact any organizations listed on this page stating that The Peoples of the World Foundation placed you or recommended you; you will be misrepresenting us as well as yourself.

Some of these opportunities may require or recommend some ability in the appropriate language.

India

Pyunli (Report broken link) "Pyunli is looking for idealistic and competent people willing to give up some of their time to do something positive for the children of our community. You can teach english, yoga, music, dance, art & craft, origami etc based on your skills."
Sustainable Tribal Education Program (Report broken link) "The focus of STEP is to bring education to children in Tribal areas, allowing them to go to schools and having good teachers; in this way all children of the area will be protected from trafficking and child labour."
India Tribal Care Trust (Report broken link) "We need young and energetic people in large numbers. We strongly rely on the dedication and passion of our volunteers to accomplish our mission of granting the wishes of the tribal people."
Mannan Tribal Village (Report broken link) "This is a challenging project site which require volunteers to be resourceful, committed, self motivated and will definitely involve long hours of work with plenty of excitement and fun. Please note that the project area is remote and basic facilities will be provided by Yearoutindia. Amenities like Internet, ATM's, Fax etc are only available at the nearest town which is 30 minutes drive away."
Ayudh Volunteers in Tribal Colonies (Report broken link) "AYUDH seeks to empower young people to integrate universal values into their daily lives. Starting with themselves, AYUDH aims to help establish a future of hope, peace and social engagement."
Friends of Tribals Society (Report broken link) "Friends of Tribals Society is a non–government and voluntary organisation committed towards upliftment of the underprivileged rural and tribal masses in India."
Tribal Development Program (Report broken link) "You will work with an ethnic tribal community in partnership with community based organisations that are trying to mainstream the tribal community. Healthcare, education, livelihoods, skills training, and promotion of tribal rights will be the development intervention strategy."

Nepal

Agrofarm (Report broken link) "Volunteers Initiative Nepal seeks volunteers or interns keen to learn about the Agro-Farming techniques of different indigenous people of Nepal, such as Balami, Tamang and Newar."
Tibetan People of Pokhara Valley (Report broken link) "Participants are deeply immersed into the way of life of the Tibetan community. During the weeks in community, the team will collaborate with Tibetan villagers on building or refurbishing projects at a local school or community center."
Medical Volunteer Trek (Report broken link) "... this isn't your average tourist experience, this is a cultural immersion trek where you work side-by-side with a Nepali medical team to treat up to 300 villagers per day without technology."
Volunteer Teaching Trek (Report broken link) "Volunteers do not need teaching experience, but a desire to help kids in Nepal is a must! You will spend 10-12 days in remote village schools as a guest teaching helper. You will also stay in a Nepali home, with your translator/guides to learn daily life of rural Himalayan people."
Himalayan Children Care and Environmental Conservation Program (Report broken link) "The volunteers have a better chance to learn high mountain culture, tradition and Nepali as well as Tibetan language."